Ahhhh….Geeze Wheeze J……2013…WOW! Another year!
Just as my life (and yours) swiftly went
through the year 2012, the anticipation of January arrived the minute Christmas
ends. Despite freezing cold temperatures here in Korea and frost glittering the
ground under a thick coat of ice, January brings with it the tantalizing hope
of spring, and a fresh new start. As I continue my “Word of the Year”
tradition, I do believe that January is not only for one to make (or keep) tons
of New Year’s Resolutions (honestly speaking, I don’t do them), but a good
month to self-reflect on the past year, and likewise, to re-evaluate what is
important to you.
For the Year 2013, I am choosing one word to come back to,
one
word to remember, one word to motivate me, and one word
to inspire me.
My word for 2013 is intentionality: the state of having a
purpose.
“Intentional living” is becoming a bit of a cliché phrase,
but when I considered other words for this year, nothing spoke to me quite as
much. When I think back on 2012—the good and the bad, the pretty and ugly, the
things I did well and the things I should have done better—I was struck with
the realization that mindlessness has become a real problem for me.
It’s hard not to blame my different roles for this issue. My
days are often long, and almost all the same: work, school, home…and repeat.
It’s easy to get caught up in the steps, and do it all over again
tomorrow. Which means, it’s also easy to
spend the entire day without putting very much thought into anything at all
because I’ve been so used to the routine. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life,
but sometimes, just like everybody else, I get distracted and I end up doing
things that are thoughtless. I realized that I am not doing things that are
deliberate and purposeful. I need to believe that divine intentional living
should be flowing to me and in me.
Mindlessness is a tough habit to break, but I’m determined to do
it. I want my days—good and bad—to be filled to the brim with intentions. I
want to put purpose back into my time, my relationships, my words, and my
actions. I am entering 2013 with hope and clarity. You are, of course, are more
than welcome to join me.
In 2013….
Let’s be intentional with our time. We need to make space in
our schedules so that we can feel motivated and not overwhelmed. That might
mean saying “NO” to obligations that are filling up our calendars, but not
filling up our hearts. Let’s turn off the TV and spend more time with our loved
ones or in our gardens; less time in front of the computer and more time
face-to-face with the people we barely see and do some much needed catching up
time. Let’s give closure to the past and focus on the days ahead. And lastly,
as a Christian, less time with the world, and more time with God.
Let’s be intentional with our relationships. We need to invest in good
relationships and let go of the ones that are depleting us. We should believe
in this perspective…. (1) I am love, (2) I am loved, and (3) I am loving.
Therefore, choose wisely and remember that nothing should be unintentional,
unwanted, and a waste of time. Let’s believe that everyone deserves to be loved
fully and completely. And more importantly, let’s not forget our relationships
with ourselves. Let us allow love, health, and wealth flow abundantly into our
lives. Always believe that we are worthy, enough to allow miracles to happen
every day.
Let’s be intentional with our words. Let’s say what we mean,
and mean what we say. Let’s be real and vulnerable and honest. Let’s ask for
advice when we need it, and stop shelling it out when it is unsolicited. Let’s
speak truth into each others’ lives and leave the gossip at the front door. Let’s
stay positive, unaffected by the negative words and attitudes of others. Let’s
say I love you and please and thank you and I appreciate you more often, without hesitation.
Let’s be intentional with
our actions. Let’s love one another better. We need to exude kindness and
compassion. Let’s be kinder to strangers and kinder to ourselves. Let’s be
responsible for creating happiness in our lives. We should begin each day
bright, happy, alert, and empowered. Let’s run and walk and skip and be good to
our bodies. The age of our bodies should have no bearing on what we do or who
we are. Let’s remember that we are infinite beings, capable of expecting the
best for ourselves.
And
remember, intentionality goes along with this….
A new day. A new year. Let’s not let it go to waste, but do good with
it.
~ Ella~
